Alumnus publishes book on Miller Brewing Company owner, grandfather
(Springfield, Illinois – June 1, 2016) – Phil Eck ’84, Quincy University alumnus, Springfield High School educator for over thirty-one years and the former Springfield High soccer coach, has written his first novel. Remembering Fred Miller from Notre Dame to the High Life chronicles the accomplishments and spirit of Fred Miller, Phil’s grandfather, during his brief forty-eight years of life.
Frederick C. Miller experienced two golden eras of Notre Dame Football first-hand. An All-American player under Coach Knute Rockne, he was team captain and played in 1928 when the team “won one for the Gipper.” Miller later served as an assistant coach with his friend, Frank Leahy.
Fred became president of Miller Brewing Company in 1947. His talents propelled Miller to the fifth highest producer of beer. He was a master at marketing his product – Miller High Life, becoming the first brewer to combine sports marketing with beer on a grand scale. Miller is also credited with saving the Green Bay Packers from financial ruin in 1950 and was the driving force that brought Major League Baseball to his beloved hometown with the arrival of the Milwaukee Braves.
To the citizens of Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin, Frederick C. Miller was a civic hero. Eck’s first novel is a passion project to keep Miller’s story and significance alive. His nine-year journey doing research at Notre Dame, MillerCoors Milwaukee Archives and numerous Wisconsin newspapers along with interviewing family members, and sports icons, Johnny Lattner, Y.A. Tittle, Paul Hornung, Frank Gifford and others make this story come to life.
Remembering Fred Miller from Notre Dame to the High Life is a 260-page, hardcover book selling for $26.00 plus shipping. Illinois residents should add $2.00 for state sales tax. Over fifty illustrations are included. The book may be ordered from the website, www.senatorspublications.com.
Eck will be at QU’s Homecoming on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm at Brenner Library for a book signing.
